Hegseth calls impeachment a 'farce' to hurt Trump as House vote nears

Defense Secretary Hegseth called his impeachment proceedings a "farce" and a political maneuver to harm President Trump, during a heated press appearance. He vowed to fight the effort, which follows the Republican electoral defeat. The impeachment resolution, introduced by Rep. Massie, includes eight charges, focusing on Hegseth's conduct in the Iran war, including unauthorized military action and violating war powers deadlines. Many Republican lawmakers, facing certain defeat, now have little to lose in supporting the measure, weakening Trump's influence. Trump has publicly backed Hegseth, but analysts suggest he may prefer to dismiss him himself to retain Senate influence over a successor. A House vote on advancing the resolution is scheduled for Tuesday, with a Senate conviction requiring 67 votes.